Balamand, October 13, 2025: The University of Balamand (UOB) held a special celebration honoring its alumni at Sofitel Dubai The Palm, under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence in the United Arab Emirates. The event was also attended by His Excellency Elias Bou Saab, Deputy Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Dr. Elias Warrak, President of UOB, members of the University’s Board of Trustees, a large number of alumni, and members of the Lebanese community in the UAE. The ceremony was hosted by UOB alumnus, journalist George Moussa.
H.E Sheikh Nahyan noted that the celebration is a true expression of pride in the UOB’s journey and a recognition of its noble mission to serve society and advance humanity—whether in Lebanon, the region, or the world. He stressed that the university is active and ambitious, constantly striving for excellence across all its programs, deeply caring for its students, and maintaining close ties with its alumni. He further emphasized that the university is fully committed to promoting the values of tolerance, solidarity, compassion, and moral integrity in all its endeavors, guided by the best global practices and the highest human values. He stated: “You have every reason to take pride in the university’s continuous achievements and to move forward with determination and unity in supporting its mission toward even greater success in the years ahead.”
In his address, Dr. Warrak expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the United Arab Emirates for its ongoing support and for providing a nurturing environment for the Lebanese people, saying: “We gather today not only to reconnect with our alumni, but also to express our gratitude to a country that has given our youth what their homeland could not, a bright future and a dignified life.” He also highlighted the academic progress achieved by the UOB, affirming its distinguished standing among leading global universities: “UOB now stands among the world’s foremost universities, keeping pace with academic advancement through distinguished education and innovative research.”
Mr. Naïm Yazbeck, President of Microsoft Middle East and Africa (MEA), and the keynote speaker, shared his remarkable experience at UOB, expressing deep gratitude and appreciation for an institution he described as his “second home.” Addressing his fellow alumni, he said: “This university is ours, and wherever we go, it remains our duty to support it, each according to his or her ability and means.” He also extended words of appreciation to Dr. Warrak and to the United Arab Emirates for their continued support of the University and its students.
The celebration was marked by its elegant ambiance and musical performances led by the renowned Ghassan Rahbani and his band, joined by singers Rania Al Hajj and Gilbert Jalkh, whose captivating music and vocals added an artistic touch that delighted the audience.